Amusement game

ABSTRACT

Amusement game apparatus has an inclined panel along which ball members roll and on which a plurality of pivotal members are selectively oriented for interrupting the forward motion of ball members along first paths and operable when engaged by subsequent ball members to transfer the trapped members to second paths for movement therealong. The inclined panel is usable with a game board having a simulated playing field thereon. Indicia provided on the panel and the board bear information pertaining to play results and situations, and a spring-activated random selector is used therewith.

United States Patent Trbovich et al.

[ Sept. 11, 1973 AMUSEMENT GAME lnventors: Nicholas D. Trbovich, WestSeneca;

William H. Meyer, East Aurora; Edwin T. Bean, Jr., Buffalo; William P.Robinson, Lockport, all of N.Y.

Servotronics, lnc., Buffalo, NY. by said Meyer, Bean and Robinson Filed:Mar. 18, 1971 Appl. No.: 125,588

Assignee:

US. Cl. 273/120 R, 273/94 R, 273/138 R Int. Cl A63f 7/06, A63f 7/14Field of Search 273/94, 120

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1967 Weisbecker 273/95 R X4/1927 Weidenfeld 273/120 R 6/1968 Weisbecker..... 273/118 R X 10/1966Sinden 273/118 R Woods et a1, 273/94 R Chapman 273/94 R PrimaryExaminer-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant ExaminerPaul E. ShapiroAttorney-Christel & Bean [57] ABSTRACT Amusement game apparatus has aninclined panel along which ball members roll and on which a plurality ofpivotal members are selectively oriented for interrupting the forwardmotion of ball members along first paths and operable when engaged bysubsequent ball members to transfer the trapped members to second pathsfor movement therealong. 'The inclined panel is usable with a game boardhaving a simulated playing field thereon. Indicia provided on the paneland the board bear information pertaining to play results andsituations, and a spring-activated random selector is used therewith.

14 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures 76/ VISZORS 6/ 241 50 76,70 3 76/ HOME /578 DOWN QUARTER PATENTEB 7 I975 3,758,113

SHEET 2 IF 3 INVENTORS Nicholas D. 'I'rbovich, William H. Meyer WilliamP. Robigi m, Edwin '1. Bean, Jr.

A T TOPNE P19.

PATENTED SEP1 1 I973 SHEET 3 OF 3 AMUSEMENT GAME BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION This invention relates to games played for amusement and, moreparticularly, to a new and improved tabletop game apparatus. While notlimited thereto, as will become apparent, the apparatus of thisinvention is adapted to the playing of a simulated game of football.

Amusement games based upon the nationally recognized methods and rulesof the playing of games such as football are known. Generally, thesegames fall into two broad classifications, one in which the success ofthe players is dependent entirely on the element of chance, and theother includes risks and stratagems optionally exercised by the players.In the latter, the success of the players depends upon their knowledgeof the science and strategy of the game, thereby offering a greaterchallange and greater opportunity for sustained interest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an amusementapparatus in the form of a tabletop game which is highy entertaining,simulates the excitement and thrills of a real contest,-and whichincludes not only chance happenings, events, and stratagems as theywould likely occur in a regular game but also risks and stratagemsoptionally exercisable by the players whereby more than mere chance isinvolved in playing the game.

In one aspect thereof, the game is played on a horizontal board whichincludes a playing field, an inclined panel supported on the board and adistributor provided with means for determining the outcome of certainplay situations. A plurality of pivotable members, representingdefensive players, are selectively positioned and oriented on the paneland one or more ball members, representing offensive players, areselectively positioned behind a gate in channels provided on the upperend of the inclined panel which functions as a scrimmage panel. Theballs are released and permitted to roll down the inclined panel and areeither stopped by the pivotal members or advance past them into groovesprovided at the lower end of the inclined panel. A ball stopped by apivotal member is delivered thereby to a relatively remote lane uponpivotal engagement of the pivotal member by another ball. Thetermination of the rolling motion of the ball member, representing aball carrier or passer, determines the result of a given play or thesequence to be followed as outlined by indicia at several locations onthe scrimmage panel. Indicating means are provided on the first panel torecord the play-by-play status of the game as it progresses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1 is a top plan view of anamusement game constructed in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view thereof, looking from the left asviewed in that FIG.;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view thereof looking from the right asviewed in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken abouton line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring now indetail to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a board,comprehensively designated 10, having a simulated football playing field12 on the upper surface thereof, which field is provided with upstandinggoal posts 13 at the opposite ends thereof and is marked off on areduced scale, at five yard intervals. An elongated slot 14 extendslengthwise of field l2 centrally thereof for receiving a guide member 16(FIG. 6) depending from a slide 18, which is shaped in the form ofafootball and is provided with points 20 extending laterally fromopposite sides thereof. Guide 16 projects below the bottom of board 10and is provided with a slot or opening (not shown) for receiving one endof a compression spring 22 bearing against the bottom of board 10 toresiliently secure slide 18 in adjusted position on board l0. Thus,slide 18 can be moved longitudinally of the playing field 12 to indicatethe position of the football after a given play.

Another elongated slot 24 is located in board 10 adjacent one side offield l2 and extends lengthwise thereof for receiving a guide member 26(FIG. 7) depending from a slide 28. Guide member 26 projects below thebottom of board 10 and is provided with a slot or opening (not shown) toreceive one end of a compression spring 30 bearing against the bottom ofboard 10 to resiliently secure slide 28 in adjusted position on board10. Slide 28 has an elongated body 32 provided with laterally extendingpointers 34 at the opposite ends thereof, the spacing between pointers34 representing a distance of ten yards on playing field l2 and beingused to determine the dlistance football slide 18 must advance in orderto obtain a first down as is well known to those familiar with the rulesof football.

Board 10 is supported along its marginal edge by a pair of elongatedtubular support members 36 extending lengthwise of board 10 and a pairof elongated tubular support members 38 extending crosswise of panel 10.Each of these support members is rectangular in cross section (FIG. 5)and has an inner wall 40 provided with a pair of spaced, inturnedflanges 42 defining a slot 44 for receiving the marginal edge portion ofboard 10. The end portions of adjacent members 36 and 38 are joinedtogether by arcuate splice members or connectors 46 provided withflanges 48 suitablysecured to board 10 as by means of fasteners 50.

Board 10 is generally rectangular in plan and preferably is formed ofcomposition board with the various designations and indicia printed on alithograph sheet or sheets cemented to the upper surface of board 10 andthen coated with a thin protective film of transparent plastic material.However, board 10 can be composed of any suitable material with variousdesigns and information imprinted directly thereon within the purview ofthe present invention.

A separable panel 52, preferably of transparent material, is positionedon the left end of board 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Panel 52 comprises abottom wall 54 (FIG. a top end wall 56, a lower end wall 58 and a pairof side walls 60 and 62. Lower end wall 58 is provided with a flange orledge 64 having an upper surface on which indicia are printed orotherwise applied as will hereinafter become apparent. An intermediatewall 63 extends lengthwise of panel 52 in spaced parallel relation towall 60. A ledge or platform 66 extends between walls 60 and 63substantially lengthwise thereof in the plane of ledge 64 and has anupper surface upon which indicia also are imprinted or otherwise appliedfor a purpose that will hereinafter be explained.

A plurality of rectangularly shaped, box-like elements 68 extend alongwall 62 in longitudinally spaced relation and define cut-out sections 70therebetween.

The intermediate and lower elements 68, as shown in FIG. 1, are providedwith projections 72 extending into the cut-out sections 70 for a reasonthat will become presently apparent. I

To orient and support panel 52 in an inclined position on board 10, apair of laterally spaced bracket-like extensions '74 (FIG. 5) projectoutwardly from bottom end wall 58 and have depending finger portions 76of reduced dimensions insertable in spaced slots 78 in board 10. Theupper end of bottom wall 54 is provided with a pair of spaced ribs 80extending below the bottom surface thereof and defining a channel forreceiving the upper edge of a removable support member 82 the lower endof which engages in the juncture of board and tubular member 36. Whenpanel 52 is not in use, support member 82 is removed so that panel 52can be swung downwardly to a position of rest against board 10. Thus,brackets 74 provide a pivotal support for panel 52 on board 10, althoughit will be appreciated that panel 52 can be removed from board 10 andused separately or with another board.

'Panel 52 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extendingpartitions 84 and 86 at the upper end thereof as viewed in FIG. 1 fordefining a series of channels 88 in which marbles or other ball members90 are placed. Partitions 84 are longer than partitions 86 and havegrooves 92 adjacent the lower ends thereof, the grooves 92 being intransverse alignment for receiving a restraining, barrier gate 94extending .transversely of channels 88 for releasably retaining ballmembers 90 therein.

A plurality of rows of longitudinally spaced-apart partitions aremounted on the upper surface of panel wall 54. Each row comprisesalternating long and short partitions 96 and 98, respectively,constituting an interruped wall extending longitudinally of panel 52.Each pair of adjacent rows 96, 98 defines a lane along which ballmembers 90 can roll, the lanes being identified by the letters A-H andcorresponding in number to the number of channels 88 with which they arealigned. Each pair of laterallyadjacent partitions 96 defines acompartment 100 having a pivot pin 102 located approximately centrallythereof and extending upwardly from panel 52 and a support pin 104spaced longitudinally from pin 102 for a purpose hereinafter explained.It will be seen that theshort partitions 98 are disposed in spacedlongitudinal alignment with pivot pins 102 and are located adjacent thebottom of compartments as shown in FIG. 1. In lieu of partitions 98,pegs can be utilized as shown at 99 in the bottom row of compartments100, such pegs serving the same purpose as partitions 98. A partition103 is mounted on panel 52 adjacent wall 63 in line with partitions 96between lanes A and B and has an upwardly and laterally outwardlyinclined extension for directing a rolling ball member 90 away from wall63. Also, a series of pegs 105 are mounted in the lower left corner ofpanel 52 to deflect and change the path of movement of rolling ballmembers 90.

A plurality of pivotable gate members 106 are selectively mounted incompartments 100. Each member,

106 has an elongated body portion 108 provided with a hub 110 onopposite sides thereof having an opening therethrough for rotationalengagement about pin 102 with either surface of body 108 facingupwardly. Body portion 108 terminates at one end in an L-shaped headformation having a projecting finger 112 thereon and serving as a stopor barrier for interrupting the rolling motion of ball members 90 andfor deflecting the latter into a different path of travel. The other endor tail of body portion 108 is bifurcated to form a pair of projectingabutments 114 adapted to be struck by a ball member 90 for swingingmember 106 to an alternate position. The swinging movement of member 106is terminated by the engagement of either abutment 114 with partitions98 or pegs 99. Members 106 can be selectively placed on pins 102 so thatthe finger formations 112 are oriented either to the left or right sideof body portion 108 but disposed above its associated pivot pin 102 asshown in FIG. 1. In other words, the asymmetrical members can beinverted on pins 102, but with the heads always in the upwardly facingposition. Body portion 108 rests on the boss 109 surrounding the base ofits support pin 104 and is readily swung about pivot pin 102 in anarcuate path of limited range as determined by the engagement ofabutments 114 with partitions 98 or pins 99.

Normally, each member 106 spans two lanes with the head end extendinginto one lane and the tail end extending into an adjacent lane in thesame compartment 100. The configuration of formation 112 is such as tobe able to trap a ball member 90 therein in spaced relation to theadjacent partition wall, as indicated at 107 in FIG. 1, thereby loadingthe member 106. A subsequent rolling ball member 90 engaging abutment114 of the loaded" member 106 in the adjacent lane E will swing thatmember 106 about its pivot pin 102 to move the head thereof and thetrapped ball across the adjacent lane E and release the ball member 90from formation 112 into a third lane D which is exterior of thecompartment in which that member 106 is located. Of course, any ballmember 90 engaging abutment 114 will move the latter out of the way andcontine to advance downwardly along panel 52. Also, ball members 90 canbe trapped into cut-out sections 70 against wall 62 byv means ofprojections 72, or can advance past all the members 106 and becomelodged in any one of several grooves 116' defined by ribs 118 projectingin-- wardly from bottom end wall 58.

It should be appreciated that panel 52, together with ball members 90and pivotal members 106 can constitute an amusement game, per se, and isnot restricted to use with the associated football game hereindescribed. Support member 82 or any other suitable support could beutilized to maintain panel 52 in an inclined position on a table or anyother support surface. Likewise, any number of game objectives, eachhaving predetermined rules, are envisaged by the panel arrangement ofthis invention However, in the use of panel 52 in connection with theillustrative football game of this invention, ball members 90 representoffensive players and pivotal members 106 represent defensive players.

A stationary-cone-shaped distributor 120 is mounted on the lower righthand corner of board as shown in FIG. 1 and is provided with a randomarrangement of a plurality of pegs 122 of varying sizes extendingupwardly from the upper surface of distributor 120. A series ofcircumferentially spaced teeth 124 are disposed along the marginal edgeof distributor 120 and define pockets 126 therebetween. A spring biasedpin or plunger 128 is mounted for sliding movement in an opening locatedcentrally of distributor 120 and is provided with a flat base 130engagable with a leaf spring 132 mounted in a cavity in distributor 120and supported on board 10. Distributor 120 is secured to board 10 by aplurality of studs 133 depending from the base of distributor 120 andprojecting through corresponding openings in board 10, the studs 133being held in place by a suitable fastener, such as Tinnerman nuts 134for example.

An annular strip 135 having indicia imprinted thereon, is located onboard 10 adjacent the peripheral edge of distributor 120. In theillustrated embodiment, this indicia is in the form of letterscorresponding to pockets 126. In use, a player depresses a ball member90 against spring loaded plunger 128 until ball member 90 is seated indimple or recess 136. The player then removes his finger allowing thespring loaded plunger 128 to eject ball member 90 from the recess, theball being free to roll downwardly along the surface of dis tributor120. Ball member 90 rolls in a meandering path between pegs 122 .untilit finally comes to rest in a pocket 126. The letter is referenced tothe indicia imprinted on ledge 66 which indicates the result of a givenplay as will hereinafter be described.

While distributor 120 is utilized in conjunction with a simulatedfootball game as herein described, it should be realized thatdistributor 120 can be used in conjunction with other games, as desired.

Also mounted on board 10 at the upper right corner thereof as viewed inFIG. 1 are a plurality of recording means, generally designated 138,140, 142 and 144 having rotatable indicators located beneath board 10and on which are printed appropriate numerals which are successivelydisplayed through windows 146, 148, 150, 152, 154 and 156 cut throughboard 10 below the printed designations VISITORS, HOME, DOWN andQUARTER. Since the indicators are of idential construction and allfunction in the same manner, a detailed description of only one isbelieved sumcient.

With reference to FIG. 10, there is shown a rotatable indicator 160having appropriate numerals printed on the upper surface thereof. A knob161 is provided for rotating indicator 160 and comprises a body 162having an annular shoulder 163 bearing against the upper surface ofboard 10. Means are provided for securing knob 161 to indicator 160,suchmeans comprising a central stud 164 and a plurality ofcireumferentially spaced studs 165 projecting downwardly from the baseof body 162 through board 10 and suitable openings in indicator 160 andsecured to the latter by means of a 7 spring metal fastener 166. Asshown in FIG. 9, fastener 166 includes a pair of diametrically opposedprongs 167 biting into central stud 164 and having notches 168 forreceiving two of the studs 165. The other pair of studs engage thelongitudinal edges of fastener 166 whereby rotation of knob 161 effectsrotation of fastener 166 through studs 164, 165 to rotate indicator 160and thereby index the proper numeral below window 146 to record theplayby-play status of the game as it progresses.

The indicia appearing on platform 66 provides information indicating theresults of various plays and are used in conjunction with distributor120. Such indicia bears five general headings, identified by referencenumerals 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178, and said heading I can comprise,for example, PENALTIES, KICK AND PUNT, PASS INTERCEPTION AND RETURN,FIELD GOAL, and POINTS AFTER TOUCHDOWN, respectively. Under each ofthese headings, the letters A through M, corresponding to the letters onannular strip 135 of distributor 120, are listed in alphabetical orderwith each letter specifying the result of a particular play. Anexemplary heading, such as PENALTIES for example, could include thefollowing play results:

PENALTIES A DEF. OFFSIDE 5 YDS. B OFF. OFFSIDE 5 YDS. C DEFQILL. PROC.l5 YDS. D OFF. ILL. PROC. l5 YDS. M DEF. PERS. FOUL l5 YDS.

It should be appreciated that more or less than 13 plays can be providedunder a particular heading if desired, provided however, that either acorresponding number of letters are included on strip 135, or thatcertain results are repeated. In some instances, such as in the case ofPOINTS AFTER TOUCHDOWN and FIELD GOAL, certain results would be repeatedbecause there are only a limited number of plays which can be effected.Also, it should be realized that the above listed plays arerepresentative only and that an almost infinite variety of play resultscan be substituted for those described above, as desired.

The indicia provided on ledge 64 also indicates the result of a playand/or determines the sequel to be followed during the course of thegame. The designations on ledge 64 comprise alternate strips 180 and 182representing RUSH and PASS play situations with indicia bearinginformation imprinted on each of these strips. Such strips can be incontrasting colors. As shown in FIG. 1, the width of each ball receivinggroove 116 equals the combined widths of a pair of adjacent strips 180and 182 so that if an offensive ball member 90 should advance past thedefensive players represented by members 106 and become lodged in anyone of the grooves 116, the information provided on either strip 180 or182 will be followed depending on whether the play initially elected wasa pass or a run play, it being understood that the option to pass or runis exercised by the offensive player prior to initiating the play.Information such as the following is printed on strips 180 and 182, fromleft to right as viewed in FIG. 1 with the asterik denoting pass plays:

RUSH 8:. PASS 5 YARD LOSS; 10 YARD LOSS*;

YARDS;

l0 YARDS;

YARDS;

25 YARDS*;

TOUCHDOWN;

TOUCHDOWN*;

etc.

The upper surfaces of box-like elements 68 along the right side of panel52 are separated into rectangularlyshaped spaces by longitudinal lines184 and transverse lines 186, the spaces being identified by referencenumerals 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218. Spaces 200and 202 are marked with the designa tions PASS' and RUSH, respectively.Spaces 204-218 are marked with numerals at the upper ends thereofindicating the yardage gained or lost by the offensive players, asrepresented by ball members 90, upon termination of the forward motionof such ball members 90 by members 106 or by the cut-out sections 70along a line corresponding with the respective numerals. For example,starting from the top as viewed in FIG. 1 and working downwardlytherefrom, an exemplary listing of numerals located in spaces 204-218appear as follows:

YARDS SPACES RUSH PASS 200302 2 l0 204;206

As an illustration, assume that a ball member 90 representing anoffensive player in a pass play advances downwardly along panel 52 andis stopped by barrier 112 of a pivotal member 106 located in the thirdhorizontal row from the top; A corresponding reading under a pass playin space 214 (transversely aligned with the pivot 102 of that member106) indicates that the offensive team has advanced two yards. Thus,football slide 18 will be advanced two yards on field 12.

The football game of the present invention is played by two players eachrepresenting one of the teams which will alternately be on the offensiveand defensive, respectively, and which can be designated either the hometeam or the visitors." As in actual football, the player representingthe offensive team endeavors to score a touchdown or make successivefirst downs to achieve a touchdown while the player representing thedefensive team attempts to block such endeavors. When a team is on theoffensive, it is represented by ball members 90 and when on thedefensive, is represented by eleven pivotal members 106. One of the ballmembers is designated 90' and can be of a different color, representingthe ball carrier or passer while the other two ball members 90 representoffensive blockers. in the event a pass play is contemplated, only ball90' is used. The player whose team is on the defensive is allowedacertain amount of time, say 30 seconds, in which to selectively positionand orient pivotal members 106 in compartments 100 and panel 52 toprovide a selective defense formation after each play. After the defenseis set up, the offense is allowed the same amount of time to selectivelyposition balls 90 and/or 90 in any one or more channels 88 behindrestraining gate 94. If either team exceeds the time limit inpositioning their players, they are penalized.

in playing the game, a toss of a coin determines which team will kick tostart the game. Assuming that the visitors win the toss and elect toreceive, the

home team must kick off and slide 18 is moved to bring pointers 20 intoposition on the home teams 40 yard line. The player representing thehome" team urges 'one of the ball members against the spring biased pin128 on distributor 120 and depresses the same. When the ball isreleased, it rolls down the slope of distributor 120 in a random pathbetween pegs 122 until it comes to rest in one of the pockets 126disposed along the periphery of distributor 120. Assuming that the balllodges in a groove or pocket 126 designated A, reference is made to Aunder the heading KICK AND PUNT on ledge 66 which might specify a 40yard kick and a fair catch. Football slide 18 is then moved 40 yardsalong playing field 12 to the oppositions 20 yard line, of the opposingteam which now has possession of the ball. The player representing thedefensive team then positions pivotal members 106 in selectedcompartments and orients the heads 112 of members 106 in the directiondesired. The player representing the offensive team then places ballmembers 90 and 90' in any one or more channels 88, for example as shownin FIG. 1. Restraining gate 94 is then raised vertically allowing ballmembers 90 and 90' to roll downwardly along inclined panel 52. Blockerball members 90 serve as offensive blocking backs running interferencefor ball carrier 90' and can be strategically placed in channels 88 toencounter abutments 114 of certain pivotal members 106 for disabling thelatter as obstacles in the path of ball carrier 90.

Pass or Rush plays are completed when ball member 90 is trapped by adefensive player, as represented by member 106 on panel 52, forced outof bounds into cut-out sections 70, or reaches the bottom of panel 152and becomes lodged in one of the grooves 116. Should ball member 90 bestopped along panel 52 prior to reaching the bottom thereof, theresultant yardage gain or loss will be taken from the readingsonelements 68. If ball member 90' advances past all the pivotal members106, the corresponding information on either strip 180 or 182 will befollowed, depending on whether a rush play or a pass play was executed.For example, if a rush play was executed and ball member 90 lodges in agroove 116 having PENALTY" inscribed on the corresponding strip 180,distributor 120 must be used to determine the extent of such penalityand against whom the penalty is applied. A ball member 90 is then placedon spring biased pin 128 and released to allow ball member 90 to roll atrandom along the slope of distributor 120 until it becomes lodged in oneof the pockets 126. If ball member 90 is stopped in a groove 126designating the letter D, reference is made to D under the generalheading PENALTIES, which bears the information Off. Illegal Procedure 15yards." The offensive team is accordingly penalized 15 yards andfootball slide 18 is moved the same proportionate distance on playingfield 12 against the offensive team. The game progresses in this mannerto its conclusion, it being understood that the general rules offootball are applicable in playing the game.

Rush plays place two or three ball members 90 in motion and take moreconsideration due to the possibilities of the blocker ball membersbecoming lodged in the penalty slot. lf a blocker ball member incurs apenalty, distributor 120 must be used as described above to determinewhether it is an offensive or defensive penalty and the extend of thepenalty, such penalty being effective to alter the outcome of the rushplay.

In playing the game, a certain degree of proficiency can be developed inselectively positioning the defensive players so as to stop theoffensive A swinging gate maze of this general type is known see U. S.Pat. No. 3,278,187). There, however, the ball is trapped between theswinging gate and a partition wall segment and is simply released tocontinue in its original path or lane, as distinguished from the instantinvention wherein the ball is trapped entirely by the swinging gate andis transferred across the adjacent lane for release into a remote lane.The instant invention is further distinguished by the barrier gatearrangement for simultaneous release of a plurality of balls, and by thereversibility of the gate members for either right or left hand deliveryof the trapped balls.

The present invention thus provides an amusement game apparatus whichmay be readily set up and played by any two players familiar with therules of the simulated game. The game not only includes chanceoccurances but also requires a degree of skill including strategy andrisks optionally exercisable by either player in selectively positioningthe offensive and defensive players.

A single embodiment of this invention having been disclosed in detail,it is to be understood that this has been done by way of illustrationonly. i

. We claim:

1. An amusement game apparatus comprising: a panel; means for supportingsaid panel in an inclined position; a plurality of longitudinallyextending lanes on said panel along which objects are adapted to move;and means positioned on said panel and operable to stop an object movingalong one of said lanes; said means being engageable by an object movingalong a second lane and operable thereby to transfer the stopped objectacross said second lane and into a third lane for movement therealong.

2. An amusement game according to claim 1 wherein each of said lanes isdefined by a pair of laterally spaced rows each comprisinglongitudinally spaced partitions; the partitions of one row beingstaggered relative to the partitions of the adjacent row; each pair oflaterally aligned partitions defining a compartment having a lateralextent of two lanes; and wherein said interrupting means comprises gatemembers pivotally mounted in said compartments.

3. An amusement game apparatus according to claim I, together with aplurality of channels aligned with said lanes adjacent the upper end ofsaid panel for selectively receiving ball members, and barrier means forreleasably restraining ball members in said channels and forsimultaneous release thereof for rolling movement along said lanes.

4. An amusement game apparatus comprising: a panel adapted to besupported in an inclined position; at least a pair of laterally spacedwalls on said panel defining a compartment therebetween; a pair of lanesextending side-by-side in said compartment between said walls; a pivotalmember mounted in said compartment and having a head portion extendinginto one of said lanes; pocket means on said head portion for trapping aball member rolling along said one lane; said tail portion beingengageable by a ball member rolling along the other of said lanes tosaid member and thereby conveya ball trapped in said pocket means acrosssaid other lane for release into a third lane.

5. An amusement game apparatus comprising: a panel; means for supportingsaid panel in an inclined position; a plurality of longitudinallyextendinglanes on said panel along which objects are adapted to move;and a plurality of members selectively positioned on said panel, saidmembers being operable to trap an object moving along one of said lanesand to change the path of movement of the trapped object to another ofsaid lanes when engaged by another moving object.

6. An amusement game apparatus comprising: means defining a playingsurface; a panel; means for supporting said panel in an inclinedposition on said surface; said panel having a plurality of objectreceiving channels at one end thereof; at least one rolling objectrepresenting an offensive player selectively positioned in one of saidchannels; and means restraining said object in the selected channeluntil a play is initiated; a plurality of compartments on said panel; aplurality of means representing defensive players selectively positionedin said compartments for interrupting free rolling movement of saidrolling object and for changing the direction of movement thereof,wherein each of said means representing defensive: players comprises apivotal member mounted on said. panel for trapping said rolling objectand for altering the path of movement ofa trapped object when engaged byanother rolling object.

7. Game apparatus according to claim 6 wherein each of said pivotalmembers comprise a body portion, a head at one end of said body portionhaving pocket means for trapping a rolling object and abutment means atthe other end of said body portion engageable by another rolling objectfor swinging said pivotal member to transfer the trapped object out ofthe associated compartment.

8. An amusement game according to claim 6 wherein said panel is providedwith a plurality of objectreceiving grooves located at the end of saidpanel remote from said channels.

9. An amusement game according to claim 8 wherein said panel has asurface adjacent said grooves provided with indicia bearing informationpertaining to the result of a single play or determining a playsituation.

10. An amusement game according to claim 6 including a plurality ofindicating means located on said surface of said first mentioned meansfor recording appropriate information as the game progresses.

11. An amusement game apparatus comprising: a panel; means forsupporting said panel in an inclined position; partitions defining aplurality of longitudinally extending lanes on said panel; a ball memberselectively positioned to roll along one of said lanes; and pivotalmembers selectively positioned on said panel for interrupting freerolling movement of said ball member, said pivotal members comprising abody portion having a head; pocket means on said head for trapping saidball member in spaced relation to said partitions and a tail portionengageable by a subsequent ball member to swing said pivotal memberpocket means to transfer the trapped ball member to another lane.

12.. An amusement game according to claim 11 wherein said means on saidhead portion comprises an L-shaped formation providing a pocket fortrapping said ball member therein.

13. An amusement game according to claim 12 wherein said tail portion isprovided with a pair of diverging abutments; and means on said panelintermedi- 1 1 l 2 ate said diverging abutments for engagement therebywherein said pivotal members are positionable on said abruptly termmatmgSwmgmg movement of Smd panel with said L-shaped formation selectivelyfacing otal member for propelling said ball member out of said L-shapedformation.

14. An amusement game according to claim 12 either side thereof.

and that said Letters Patent are hereby coxre'cted as shown below:

Attesting Officer UNTHED STATES PATENT @FFTCE CERWHQATE o nom mmomPatent No, 3, 758,113 Dated September 11, 1973 Nicholas D. 'Trbovich,William H Meyer lnventofls) Edwin T, Bean, Jr. William P. Robinson It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent In patentclaim 4, lin 11, after 7 "to", insert -pivot- Signed and sealed this18th day of December fl973 (SEAL) Attest: EDWARD M. FIEI'GHER, RO RENEno TEGTI IEYEB,

Aoting Commissioner of Patents

1. An amusement game apparatus comprising: a panel; means for supportingsaid panel in an inclined position; a plurality of longitudinallyextending lanes on said panel along which objects are adapted to move;and means positioned on said panel and operable to stop an object movingalong one of said lanes; said means being engageable by an object movingalong a second lane and operable thereby to transfer the stopped objectacross said second lane and into a third lane for movement therealong.2. An amusement game according to claim 1 wherein each of said lanes isdefined by a pair of laterally spaced rows each comprisinglongitudinally spaced partitions; the partitions of one row beingstaggered relative to the partitions of the adjacent row; each pair oflaterally aligned partitions defining a compartment having a lateralextent of two lanes; and wherein said interrupting means comprises gatemembers pivotally mounted in said compartments.
 3. An amusement gameapparatus according to claim 1, together with a plurality of channelsaligned with said lanes adjacent the upper end of said panel forselectively receiving ball members, and barrier means for releasablyrestraining ball members in said channels and for simultaneous releasethereof for rolling movement along said lanes.
 4. An amusement gameapparatus comprising: a panel adapted to be supported in an inclinedposition; at least a pair of laterally spaced walls on said paneldefining a compartment therebetween; a pair of lanes extendingside-by-side in said compartment between said walls; a pivotal membermounted in said compartment and having a head portion extending into oneof said lanes; pocket means on said head portion for trapping a ballmember rolling along said one lane; said tail portion being engageableby a ball member rolling along the other of said lanes to said memberand thereby convey a ball trapped in said pocket means across said otherlane for release into a third lane.
 5. An amusement game apparatuscomprising: a panel; means for supporting said panel in an inclinedposition; a plurality of longitudinally extending lanes on said paneLalong which objects are adapted to move; and a plurality of membersselectively positioned on said panel, said members being operable totrap an object moving along one of said lanes and to change the path ofmovement of the trapped object to another of said lanes when engaged byanother moving object.
 6. An amusement game apparatus comprising: meansdefining a playing surface; a panel; means for supporting said panel inan inclined position on said surface; said panel having a plurality ofobject receiving channels at one end thereof; at least one rollingobject representing an offensive player selectively positioned in one ofsaid channels; and means restraining said object in the selected channeluntil a play is initiated; a plurality of compartments on said panel; aplurality of means representing defensive players selectively positionedin said compartments for interrupting free rolling movement of saidrolling object and for changing the direction of movement thereof,wherein each of said means representing defensive players comprises apivotal member mounted on said panel for trapping said rolling objectand for altering the path of movement of a trapped object when engagedby another rolling object.
 7. Game apparatus according to claim 6wherein each of said pivotal members comprise a body portion, a head atone end of said body portion having pocket means for trapping a rollingobject and abutment means at the other end of said body portionengageable by another rolling object for swinging said pivotal member totransfer the trapped object out of the associated compartment.
 8. Anamusement game according to claim 6 wherein said panel is provided witha plurality of object receiving grooves located at the end of said panelremote from said channels.
 9. An amusement game according to claim 8wherein said panel has a surface adjacent said grooves provided withindicia bearing information pertaining to the result of a single play ordetermining a play situation.
 10. An amusement game according to claim 6including a plurality of indicating means located on said surface ofsaid first mentioned means for recording appropriate information as thegame progresses.
 11. An amusement game apparatus comprising: a panel;means for supporting said panel in an inclined position; partitionsdefining a plurality of longitudinally extending lanes on said panel; aball member selectively positioned to roll along one of said lanes; andpivotal members selectively positioned on said panel for interruptingfree rolling movement of said ball member, said pivotal memberscomprising a body portion having a head; pocket means on said head fortrapping said ball member in spaced relation to said partitions and atail portion engageable by a subsequent ball member to swing saidpivotal member pocket means to transfer the trapped ball member toanother lane.
 12. An amusement game according to claim 11 wherein saidmeans on said head portion comprises an L-shaped formation providing apocket for trapping said ball member therein.
 13. An amusement gameaccording to claim 12 wherein said tail portion is provided with a pairof diverging abutments; and means on said panel intermediate saiddiverging abutments for engagement thereby abruptly terminating swingingmovement of said pivotal member for propelling said ball member out ofsaid L-shaped formation.
 14. An amusement game according to claim 12wherein said pivotal members are positionable on said panel with saidL-shaped formation selectively facing either side thereof.